kelley. this case came to light originally as part of the petraeus affair. and an investigation was launched. >>> the u.s. state department confirms today three americans were indeed killed during that four-day hostage standoff in algeria. seven americans were able to make it out safely. the algerian government says in all, 38 hostages of different nationalities and 29 islamic militants died in the standoff. five people are still unaccounted for. >>> in this country, the weather is making news tonight, specifically the cold. over two-thirds of the country, along with some weird extremes. it's expected to be 75 degrees colder in maine this week than it was last week. 75 degrees. and this latest push of arctic air has already made its way all the way south to florida. nbc's kevin tibbles is with us from the grip of it in chicago. kevin, good evening. >> reporter: brian, tonight bitter cold and treacherous winds have much of the country hunkering down. and this blast of winter is likely to last